Volunteers recognized in Vermilion

A proclamation was made recognizing National Volunteer Week from April 18 – 24, 2021 at this week’s Town Council meeting in Vermilion.

Director of Community Services, Kevin Lucas, noted this year’s theme ‘The Value of One, The Power of Many’ suggesting that without volunteers more paid work may be necessary and thanked local volunteers for their continued service to the community.

Mayor Caroline McAuley said, “I actually found out that 44 per cent of Canadians volunteer, and in Alberta it is 50 per cent. I am going to suggest that in Vermilion it’s a really high rate – people volunteer for everything from town committees to the fire department, the Rotary Club, church groups, the Community Closet, the Ag Society, even those walking to pick up garbage. It’s overwhelming the volunteers we have in our community. It certainly helps make our community thrive and even more beautiful, and I am proud to acknowledge their role in our community.”

The proclamation stated that 12.7 million Canadian volunteers give their time to help others, contributing close to 2 billion volunteer hours per year.

It read that volunteers in the Town of Vermilion mentor children, feed the hungry, comfort the lonely, beautify green spaces, and fundraise for charitable organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it said they have have stepped up to support families, friends, neighbours, and strangers, as well as shared insights on how to create a more just and equitable society.

People of all ages and backgrounds volunteer in Vermilion, and the proclamation stated that the town is a more desirable place to live as a result of their work.